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15 for 10: Scarlets - an all-decade XV
Scarlets emerged in the latter half of the decade as Wales’ strongest region so it is no surprise their team of the decade contains some seriously talented players and leaves out some big names.
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They capped the decade by winning the 2017 Guinness PRO12 final in Dublin, defeating Munster at Aviva Stadium the weekend after they beat Leinster at the RDS. The region then went on to reach a Heineken Champions Cup semi-final the following year.
15. Liam Williams
Despite a number of excellent candidates, Williams has to be the choice here. Outstanding in attack and defence, reliable under the high ball, he has been consistently superb as the last man. He even stepped up to kick as Scarlets closed out matches in their league title-winning run of 2016/17.
14. Johnny McNicholl
Steff Evans is hugely unfortunate to miss out on a spot given his irrepressible spark in attack and importance to the 16/17 season, but McNicholl’s all-round game just about gives him the edge. He has been consistently brilliant since his arrival.
13. Jonathan Davies
Could it be anyone else? The sight of Davies handing off opposition players with glee as he storms towards the line is enough to warm up fans on even the coldest Llanelli day. His return from Clermont in 2016 was only one part of the puzzle for then-coach Wayne Pivac, but it felt decisive.
(Continue reading below…)
RugbyPass went behind the scenes when Leinster won the 2018 Guinness PRO14 final in Dublin
12. Scott Williams
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It seems bizarre in some ways to leave out Hadleigh Parkes who now seems to be such a fixture in the current Scarlets and Wales XVs. But nine seasons of service, 135 appearances, 23 tries (and a conversion for good measure) see Williams clinch the spot. He was an excellent servant to the region.
11. George North
It has been a long time since North ran out in Scarlets colours but there is no doubt that his almost unstoppable period at the region was when he played his best rugby. DTH van der Merwe is a big name unlucky to miss out.
10. Stephen Jones
Arguably the most contested position in this side, with both Rhys Patchell and Rhys Priestland having been excellent for Scarlets. But Jones’ consistency, leadership and reliability made him so important then and deserving of this spot.
Brad Mooar has made a telling impression at @scarlets_rugby in a short space of time… @OwainJTJones quizzes the All Blacks-bound coach on his methodology and fondness for West Wales https://t.co/D6XzB9TmX8
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 7, 2020
9. Gareth Davies
In recent years, the man known as Cawdor has shown Wales fans what his electric pace, fearless defence and instinct for an intercept can do for a side, but he has been putting in those shifts out west for some time. Not always the best passer of the ball but trusted in the big games for a reason.
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1. Phil John
With hands and instincts like Gethin Jenkins, Rob Evans would make this position were it not for John’s 330 appearances over two decades. A proper regional servant who always put a shift in.
2. Ken Owens
Unquestionable selection despite the quality that Scarlets have had in the No2 jersey over the decade. Owens is happy to regularly put in the full 80 minutes and his leadership, talent and work ethic never waver. Will surely go down as a regional icon.
3. Samson Lee
Has never quite delivered on his promise but has been reliable on the tighthead since 2011. His occasional execution of some of the flashier stuff shows how hard he continues to work on all aspects of his game.
4. Jake Ball
There have been some very handy locks for Scarlets over the decade but Ball has probably made the biggest contribution. In addition to all the grunt work he does, he is often essential in some of Scarlets’ attacking breaks.
5. Tadhg Beirne
Only spent two years in Wales but what a two years. He arrived as a promising lock so ravaged by injuries that he was close to quitting the game and left with a PRO12 title, PRO14 runners-up medal, a Champions Cup semi-final spot and the promise of an international call-up before he decided to return to Ireland. Made a huge impact.
Welsh talent ID in England is nothing new but with a new seam of gifted players plying their trade over the border, the battle to wear red or white shows no signs of letting up
– writes @OwainJTJones https://t.co/RF6PplTb9R
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 23, 2019
6. Aaron Shingler
A blindside who can score a 70-metre solo try, although not one afraid of the dirty work. Shingler has been a big presence in the lineout and has an offload game perfect for Scarlets. Started at the region in 2008 and doesn’t look like slowing down.
7. James Davies
In a team with a style like Scarlets, back row forwards are always going to be essential to snaffle opposition ball and speed up their own. ‘Cubby Boi’ has been a huge part of the side’s success with his breakdown work. His sevens background has also been crucial, especially his comfort covering the wing in major games.
8. John Barclay
There have been many non-Welsh players taken into the hearts of Scarlets fans but Barclay is up there with the best of them – and deservedly so. His leadership during the PRO12 title run-in, with Owens injured, was huge. Ben Morgan was a more natural No8 but Barclay was too good to leave out.
WATCH: RugbyPass have made something truly special with the Barbarians rugby team – the release date is Sunday, January 12
Comments on RugbyPass
I like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
8 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
8 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
8 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
8 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
3 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to comments